Niraj (Nij) Lal

Author, Social Issues, Storyteller/Performer, Wellbeing

Dr Niraj (Nij) Lal is an author, ANU Visiting Fellow and host of the ABC’s kids’ podcast Imagine This. He graduated from the University of Cambridge with a PhD in physics as a Gates Scholar in 2012, has appeared on Play School and Catalyst and his awards include the 2021 Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science and the 2022 Royal Societies of Australia and New Zealand Piasecki Prize for Outstanding Writing on Social Change. He lives in Melbourne with his partner Sally and their three kids.

Where were you born?

Hawaii, USA

What other jobs have you had?

I’ve worked as a long-line tuna fishing boat deckhand out of Coffs Harbour, a bicycle courier in Perth, a Science Outreach Officer, Lectured on Renewable Energy Lecturer at ANU, and advised the government on environmental policy.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Ecology, education, being human.

What have been the highlights of your career?

• Reaching 13 million listens of ABC Imagine This.
• Being a guest on Ithaka: A Fight to Free Julian Assange (ABC, BBC)
• Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science
• Royal Societies of Australia and New Zealand Piasecki Prize for Outstanding Writing on Social Change
• Founding the Raio de Sol Canberra Community Samba Drumming Band
• Lecturing on Renewable Energy at the ANU and University of Melbourne

Where have your works been published?

In books, academic journals, on telly, print media and radio.

What are you passionate about?

Life. Also: kids education, justice, ecological connection, freedom.

Haven’t I seen you before?

I got my first gigs on tv just when everyone started tuning into Netflix. You may have heard me on the ABC’s children’s podcast, Imagine This.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I like celebrating the winter solstice!